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Artifcts \ Articles \ DECLUTTERING & ORGANIZING \ Letting Go of Sentimental Items

DECLUTTERING & ORGANIZING

Letting Go of Sentimental Items

March 13, 2024

Reading time: 8 minutes

Last fall Chris Stapleton appeared in a Sunday morning interview on NBC with Willie Geist. In a moment reflecting on the “how” of his music making, Chris pointed to a chair he’s used as he’s recorded all of his albums and said, “It’s home.”

two men standing in a music recording studio

We get sentimental about objects for that “home” feeling among other reasons, making it difficult to let go sometimes. These are the artifacts of our lives! Today, we’re sharing our green-yellow-red light approach to reevaluating your sentimental collections.

But, Reader, beware! If you are waiting for us to say, “Just take a picture, and let it go,” this is not the article for you. In this digital age, we accumulate photos as fast as dishes in the kitchen waiting to be washed. Each photo you take and let slip 100s and 1000s back in your camera roll, even if filed into a folder, is a missed opportunity. You could have captured what’s so meaningful about it while the details were fresh. You could have shared it with someone to connect over a shared memory. So, please, take the photo, we agree, but in the next moment or same day, Artifct that.

Okay, now on with today’s article!

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Letting Go Can Be Really Hard. Full stop.

When it comes to letting go of objects of sentimental value, some of us manage better than others. Some of us do not even consider ourselves sentimental and regularly “trim the fat.” The rest of us need all the help we can get, especially those of us who stubbornly maintain all that 'stuff' is not our problem, adopting a "Someone else can get rid of it once I'm gone," mentality.

Our reasons and motivations for deciding to let go of items vary:

- - You’re downsizing and truly can’t keep it all.
  - You’re mindful that you have a lot of stuff and do not want to burden your family someday with figuring out what to do with it all.
  - You’re going through a decluttering process, because it’s beginning to feel like your walls are closing in on you. Psst ... A real or pretend household move can be a very effective motivator to declutter – less to pack and less to pay to move, too!

As we set out to learn existing strategies for letting go of sentimental items, we canvassed the literature, decluttering blogs and videos, and more than a dozen books on the subjects. While the examples and stories differed, along with the viewpoints (scientific, minimalist, Christian, you name it!), it felt like there wasn’t much separating one approach from another. We distilled our learnings into a green-yellow-red light process for you to consider, “What do I want to do with this ‘thing?’”

First, Why DO People Keep Sentimental Items?

The answer to this question is especially important for all of us with someone in our life who we think is particularly sentimental, and we just can’t relate. Some of the most common reasons we found for people keeping items of emotional value that you should keep in mind include:

- - The item was important to someone else who you loved or respected.
  - It makes you happy to have it, usually because of a memory it evokes.
  - You’ve had it a long time and it would feel strange to get rid of it. This is related to a concept called the “endowment effect.” If we own it, it has more value.
  - It’s the “last” of something or otherwise rare, or at least you think it is. This could also lead to a slippery slope of expectation that it has monetary value, too, today or “someday.”
  - Emotional security – knowing it’s there makes you feel better.
  - Just because. Yes, that’s it. Let’s call this, “It’s in the eye of the beholder.”

Letting Go of Sentimental Items: Green-Yellow-Red Light

If you have spent time with an elementary school aged child during the last decade, you may have heard of this green-yellow-red approach to teaching kids about the spectrum of foods and their value to our bodies. Green foods are “go foods,” and you should enjoy them every day as you wish because they are so good for you. Yellow foods are “whoa foods,” and should be enjoyed in moderation. Red foods are those for which you should stop before putting in your mouth and consider a better option. They are not good for your body.

The beauty of this framework is its dual simplicity and flexibility. Today we’re applying a green-yellow-red light framework to help you to parse through your belongings and just maybe let go of a few.

It’s important to emphasize that systems like these must be adapted to personal starting points and circumstances. Hoarding disorder, grief, and other situations may require different approaches, ranging from professional support to grace and space.

Green items: Keep, enjoy, display. Clearly this stuff matters to you! This might be the stuff you re-clutter with after you clear out the rest.

Yellow items: Reconsider. Maybe there’s a better home or opportunity to repurpose some of these items.

Red items: Halt: declutter! Red light items often have an overwhelming number of items in the same category or have had no use or value to you for years, making them ripe for thinning out over time. Remember, it does not have to be all at once!

Here are illustrative examples from each category to help you prioritize as you let go of sentimental items.

GREEN LIGHT – Give yourself a pass.

- - It absolutely adds value to your life, brings you joy or peace, or some other benefit. You don’t have to justify this feeling. (Remember our recent ARTIcles story, “We all deserve a Purple Bin!”) You’ll know it reflexively when you look at the item. This is a category of items that may have already been pared back, for example, if you kept only a few items that belonged to your spouse who passed.

- - You use or display & enjoy it and have no need to replace or change.

- - It is financially valuable, too. Do not pinch pennies here. It’s valuable and you are going to keep it because it’s doing no harm, and you would only get rid of it if you sold it. (Check out our ARTIcles story, From Rare Art to Family Heirlooms: Tips From a Master as You Consider Selling Your 'Stuff.') When you Artifct it, be sure to attach the receipt, appraisal, and or certificate of authenticity in the ‘Documentation’ section and as many details as possible, potentially including how and where you got it (provenance), dimensions, weight, and any signatures or maker’s mark(s). Bonus: Use Artifcts’ “What’s it worth?” button if you are curious about the item’s current market valuation.

- - If a family vote were taken, the majority would say, "Keep!” We have this broken pair of Rudolph glasses. I wanted to buy a new pair and was strongly vetoed. These glasses have been with us a long time, and my family found a new way to use them in their broken state.

YELLOW LIGHT – It might be time to go.

- - Books. You might be surprised to reread “favorites” of yours only to discover they are favorites no longer. Your tastes shift. Books are a good category of objects to pause on and really consider whether you need each one. I’ll never get rid of my copy of Rooftops of Tehran. Even if I don’t love it one day, I remember the impact it had on me when I first read it. It stays. But recently I did reread some “critically acclaimed” books I remember enjoying and have moved with me several times, but they didn’t make the cut this time. I donated them.

- - Battletested and/or antique kitchenware. How much of Grandma’s old cookware do you need to keep to remember what an amazing cook she was or how much you loved to cook with her or the smell of her bread in the oven? And if you are actually using it, consider if it is still safe to use. Can you reduce what you’ve kept to a few representative pieces? Maybe even retire some to become fun décor.

- - Special textiles. Table linens, children's clothing and costumes, loved blankets, this is another area that’s easy to accumulate and squish just a bit more into that shelf or bin. And being practical, too, it’s easier to quickly try and give it a pass. If it’s all getting used, well, then that makes sense, unless of course you’re running out of space. Plus, linens tend to age without you truly SEEING the signs of age (stains, yellowing, fraying edges …). Use season changes to reconsider and maybe even “treat” yourself to something new to replace some you are letting go of.

RED LIGHT – Some of these items need to go.

- - Boxes and boxes of items from a loved one who has passed. It’s taking up space somewhere, and to what end? If you're ready, pick out only those items that truly resonate with you. Consider who else could want it and benefit from the rest or open it up, video it, and send to family to give them a chance to make a claim.

- - Relics of a former career, student or professional. Do you have college notebooks and textbooks from decades ago. Why? What about awards and mementos? Others are very unlikely to really understand what if any of this matters either if you haven’t told them the stories (or better yet, Artifcted them.) I was really proud of an econometric study I did in graduate school in large part because of the note the professor wrote on the final copy. I don’t know compelled me to keep the physical copy for decades, but I can tell you now that it’s Artifcted, I finally recycled it.

- - Kid clutter. This is the artwork, awards, presents and so much more that multiplies like bunny rabbits inside closets, under beds, and in what was once a previously (momentarily?) organized and functional system of bins. It is absolutely fair game to put this category into a regular decluttering rotation with your child(ren). Why? It is especially vulnerable to you forgetting what it was and why you and your kids kept it anyway because of the sheer volume. Be careful in this category not to go overboard. Consider our learnings shared in, “Before You Thin Out That Stuffed Animal Collection, Consider What Scientists Have to Say.”

A Parting Story and Message to Consider

When our co-founder Ellen Goodwin (@egoody) traveled to Arizona to Artifct with her 97-year-old great aunt, what stood out were the things her aunt had chosen to keep as she came to the end of her lifetime and the stories they told. Having downsized to so very little, chief among the items her great aunt wanted Ellen to see were a pair of goggles, a brochure, and a testing piece she used to become certified to weld airplanes during WWII. Check out #MurielsStories.

What matters to us all, what TRULY matters, shifts over time. Do not feel pressured to move too fast to declutter and/or downsize unless life circumstances give you no real choice in the matter. Even then, please remember to take a moment to smell the roses and remember the value of what you have and, sometimes, the emotional and practical (less to dust!) value of letting go.

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Rescue Mission: That's More Than a Photo! Artifct That.

Over the years, we've come to appreciate how even seemingly random photos can provide the spark connecting us to each other, to histories, to pasts unknown, if given the opportunity. The ice hiker shown above? Where was he? What was he doing? Where was he going? What became of him after his great adventure?

I bet we all have a photo like this. One that is black and white, maybe a little tattered around the edges. Maybe you found yours in a bin of old photos tucked away in a great Aunt's attic, or maybe yours was carefully, loving framed and had sat on top of Nana's piano for decades. Decades!

We've all heard the cliche that a photo is worth a thousand words, but we've yet to have a photo start telling us the who, what, when, where and why it was taken. The simple truth is photos can't talk. A researcher could find an explorers club to assist, trace the clothing, authenticate the age of the paper, maybe. But absent a family member or friend knowing his story, his details, he and his story could very well remain a mystery for future generations.

Our co-founder Heather was reminded of this not too long ago when trying to rather unsuccessfully piece together the (presumed) relatives from generations past in a series of family photos. It was a frustrating and in the end rather helpless task since no living members of her family could recall the details. The closest she got to an answer was "that might have been Great Nana B's sister...or cousin...or maybe just a friend." Yep, that was helpful!

In fact, if you've read Our Story, you've seen a black and white photo of woman who in some ways is the silent third founder of Artifcts.

Click to view the Artifct

The photo grabs you. Who is she? What (or who) is she looking at that is making her smile? Who took the picture? When was this picture taken and where? Truth is, her end-of-life was the inspiration for Artifcts and our efforts to remove so much of the potential burden from our loved ones who are left to parse through our belongings, photos included, after we're gone. We built Artifcts to ensure that families everywhere can pass along memories, heritage, and legacy, and not just items. Her photo is no longer a mere photograph, but a history. You can read about that very photo's history here.

When you can, you should just ASK!

Here are two more photos that capture our interest in the same way, sparking the same questions. And, we wonder: If someone sold framed photos like this through an estate sale, consignment shop, or flea market, would they captivate a curious, anonymous buyer? They could just as easily fit into the decor of a modern home as one with a farmhouse chic decor or even a cozier older style.

Click the image to view the Artifct.

Our CTO, Matt, found these framed portraits buried in a collection of old photographs his mother had kept in her house. Thankfully she had already Artifcted them and Matt was able to know not only who the photos were of (his great grandmother!), but also when they were taken. Absent his mother taking the time to Artifct the photos and the details, that part of their family history would have been easily forgotten, and quite possibly discarded or donated.

Look around your house. Would the next generation know who is in the framed photos you have on display? Would they know WHY they are on display? Why they matter to you and your family? Chances are, probably not.

Take a moment today to capture that history before it slips away. Not sure where to start or what questions to ask? Download a copy of our free Rescue Those Photos! checklist to help you get started.

Artifct a few choice photos—your favorites, the most outrageous, or maybe the ones that make you go, "Hmmm." You can easily share your Artifcts with friends and family to meaningfully connect and reconnect over (nearly!) lost pasts and new stories shared for more "I never knew that about you!" moments now and into the future.

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If you are interested in photo and/or video digitization services, our Partners at The Photo Managers can help! Our Artifcts Team is proud to be a sponsor of The Photo Managers Conference this year in Boston.

Attending the Conference? Stop by our Artifcts booth and say hello to the team! We're happy to show you how Artifcts can help bring your photos, stories, and memories to life.

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April 08, 2026

TIPS & TRICKS, PHOTOS, DOCS & OTHER MEDIA

Gone in a Woof: The Tragic Tale of Mr. Moose

Dear Reader,

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sasso Piatto, destroyer of stuffies and Chief Happiness Officer here at Artifcts. I haven’t got much time as my Mum has stepped away from her laptop, and I know she’ll be back soon.

Today’s topic? The importance of Artifcting ALL your life’s keepsakes because you never know what will happen next. Case in point, my cherished Mr. Moose.

Mr. Moose was the love of my life (second only to bacon). We had been through thick and thin together. Mr. Moose was always up for adventures—mud puddle hopping, snow pile digging, and zoomies in the front yard. He was my constant companion, my snuggle buddy, and my best friend.

And then, just yesterday, an unthinkable thing happened. My Mum got rid of Mr. Moose. One moment I was admiring my handy-work (who knew Mr. Moose had so much stuffing?) and then, gone! Into the trash. How could she?!

Sure, he was well-loved (who doesn’t love a plush moose with squeaky antlers), but that doesn’t mean that it was time for him to go. My Mum claimed the stuffing was falling out of him (I think she needs new glasses) and that the squeaker was a choking hazard. As if! I swallow Milk Bones whole! Choking hazard, it was not.

And the worst part is that she didn’t even pause long enough to let me ARTIFCT him. Not one photo. Not one solemn moment to stop and reflect on all the love and joy Mr. Moose has brought me over the years. Of all the people, of all the deeds. How could my Mum, the founder of Artifcts, TOSS MR. MOOSE OUT before I got to Artifct him?

I beg you Dear Reader to take a moment today and Artifct That! It could be a favorite photo, a cherished piece of kid's art, or for the love of all, a favorite toy. If you’re planning to declutter this spring (hello spring cleaning!) take a moment to Artifct those treasures before you (OR YOUR MUM) toss them out.

Speaking of spring cleaning, I heard my Mum mumble something about re-homing the Everest sized pile of sticks I’ve accumulated outside the front door. For those of you not in the know, I’ve learned that “re-homing” really means removing. I’ve got to go! Time to Artifct my favorite sticks before they too disappear.

Yours Truly,

Sasso Piatto

PS. Happy April Fool’s Day! We hope today’s ARTIcles story from Sasso made you smile. You can click here to view all of Sasso’s Artifcts (written in his voice of course!).

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April 01, 2026

FEATURED

The 1996 Nostalgia Trend: How to Save Your Memories for Future Generations

Where were you in 1996? Take a moment and really think about it.

Where were you living? What filled your days? What music was on repeat, and what did your favorite outfit look like? Maybe you were heading off to school in flannel and Doc Martens, building a career in your first real job, or chasing toddlers around the house. Maybe 1996 was loud and exciting—or quiet and uncertain. Either way, it was yours.

Lately, there’s been a surge of nostalgia inviting us to revisit that specific year. But the truth is, it’s not really about 1996. It’s about something much bigger.

It’s Not Just 1996—It’s Any Year

Pick a year. Any year. 1996. 2006. 2016. Last summer.

Every single one holds a version of you that no longer exists—someone shaped by the people, places, and moments of that time. And tucked inside those years are vivid snapshots: the song that instantly transports you back in time, the hat you wore until it fell apart, the photo you’ve kept in a drawer for decades.

We all have these anchors, the objects and memories that pull us back to “way back when.” A concert t-shirt isn’t just a shirt. It’s the night you sang every word with your friends, the feeling of freedom, the version of yourself that felt invincible.

A certificate, a ticket stub, a handwritten note—these aren’t just things. They’re evidence of a life fully lived, in moments both big and small.

The Small Moments Matter More Than You Think

It’s easy to assume that only major milestones deserve to be remembered—graduations, weddings, promotions. But what about everything in between?

Our co-founder Heather recently came across a stash of photos from her high school days and her daughter was in awe. The clothes! The hair! The concerts! Heather had forgotten how she had spent the summer of '96 working two jobs and attending every Phish concert within driving distance of her childhood home. Funny, because that's just what her daughter wants to do this summer.

Our co-Founder Heather & her friends tailgating before a Phish concert. Click the iamge to view the Artifct.

The everyday moments are often the ones that define us most:

The summer you spent making friendship bracelets at camp
The first apartment that barely had furniture but felt like independence
The hobby you picked up on a whim that turned into a lifelong passion
The concert t-shirt you wore so often it became part of your identity

These moments may feel small at the time, but they’re rich with meaning. And over time, they become the stories we wish we had captured more fully. Because memory fades. Details blur. And eventually, even the most vivid experiences can become harder to recall.

Why Capturing Your Story Matters

The people who come after us—our kids, grandkids, and beyond—don’t automatically know who we were. They might know the broad strokes. Where we lived. What we did for work. Maybe a few stories that get told again and again. But they don’t know what it felt like to be you in 1996. Or 1976. Or 2016.

They don’t know what made you laugh, what you worried about, or what you dreamed of, unless you tell them.

How to Turn Memories Into Artifcts

That’s where Artifcting comes in. Artifcting is the act of preserving not just your objects, but the stories behind them—so they can live on far beyond your memory. Looking for an easy way to get started?

Start with What You Already Have

Look around your home. Open a drawer, a closet, or an old box in the attic. Find something that instantly takes you back:

A photo from the ‘90s
A concert t-shirt (Fun fact! Our Advisory Board Member Matt Paxton recently spent an afternoon with his teenage son Artifcting his vintage concert t-shirts from the 90s.)
A piece of jewelry
A letter or postcard

If it sparks a memory, it’s worth preserving.

Capture the Story, Not Just the Object

Ask yourself:

Where did this come from?
Why did it matter to me?
What was happening in my life at the time?
Who was I then?

The object is just the entry point—the story is what gives it meaning.

The object is just the entry point—the story is what gives it meaning

Add Context That Only You Can Provide

This is the part no one else can recreate, especially the most well-intentioned AI-apps that promise to tell you your story. (Naturally, we have our doubts about that.)

Describe the details:

What you were wearing?
Who you were with?
What the world felt like at that moment?

These personal insights transform a simple item into a living memory.

Preserve It Digitally

Open the Artifcts App and upload your photo or a photo of your item and pair it with your story. Now it’s not just stored—it’s documented, searchable, and shareable with the people who matter most. Bonus! Add audio or video too for greater context and details that only you can provide.

Share It Across Generations

Invite your family into the experience by privately sharing the Artifct with them. Your stories become a bridge—connecting generations through shared history, personal insight, and emotional truth.

Your Story Is Still Unfolding

Thinking back to 1996 might feel like a fun exercise in nostalgia. But it’s also a reminder: the life you’re living right now will one day be “way back then,” too.

What from today will you wish you had captured?

The coffee mug you use every morning
The playlist that defines this season of your life
The photo sitting unnoticed on your phone

These are tomorrow’s Artifcts just waiting to be captured today. You don’t need a milestone. You don’t need a perfect story. You just need a moment—and the willingness to preserve it.

So ask yourself again: Where were you in 1996? Then take the next step. Capture it. Tell it. Artifct it. Because your story deserves to be remembered—not just by you, but by everyone who comes after.

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You might also enjoy reading these related ARTIcles:

Photos + Timelines Go Better Together

How to Artifct That Photo

How to Artifct That Heirloom

March 25, 2026

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